How much do you trust non-AW batteries?

[Centropolis]

I recently bought a DBS V3 with a MC-E pill and an extension tube. That means I have the option to use 2 18650s.

I currently have 2 Trustfire 18650s. I've been using them in a Eastward without any problems. But with the MC-E, should I trust them to be okay? Or should I really invest the $24 and get 2 AWs? I have AW 10440s and RCRs but don't want to spend $24 plus shipping on 2 more 18650 if I don't have to.

Anyone?

 

[Black Rose]

That's a tough question since there are so many people here that are either for the cheap cells or against the cheap cells.

With me being a total noob to Li-Ion cells (but have been reading mdocod's and SilverFox threads on them) I wanted to play it safe and purchased mostly AW cells (2x17670, 1x18650, 2x16340). If you buy directly from AW you get a 90 day warranty....you don't get that with the cheaper cells.

I have 2 noname unprotected 18650 cells that came with my lights.

I purchased a pair of TrustFire 16340 cells just to test to see if they might be worth it since they were so cheap.

The cheap ones tend to have more failures and may not last as long.
Some AW cells have failed as well, but I am pretty sure that AW took care of the folks that had the problems, even cells that were outside of warranty period.

 

[Ajay]

Yes. I do trust non-AW cells.
I use sony laptop cells = Sanyo UR18650 cells 2400mah and 2600mah non-protected.
I also have some dell laptop cells of unknown brand and amp-hours. They all work great but I do not own any **fire or AW so I can't compare them.

 

[rmteo]

This is like asking "How much do you trust non-Surefire lights?". As Black Rose has said, you are going to get people who are for and against them.

That said, I use both UltraFire and TrustFire (and others as well) and they are as good (or as bad) as any.

 

[cave dave]

Did you buy both your 18650's from the same place at the same time? If not there is high likelihood of imbalance between the cells. Do they both perform the same in single cell applications?

If so, I would just use what you got.

If I was starting from scratch I would recommend going with the well-regarded AW cells.

There is more than just raw performance to consider. There is also safety, reliability and longevity. I don't think we have enough data in those areas to really pick a brand based on empirical evidence. What we do know is that AW as an individual is personally interested in giving us safe, reliable and long lasting cells and is always looking to improve his cells. Discount brands are interested in giving us the cheapest possible price and over inflated specs. I think integrity is also worth something in this game.

 

[Kestrel]

Did you buy both your 18650's from the same place at the same time? If not there is high likelihood of imbalance between the cells. Do they both perform the same in single cell applications?

If so, I would just use what you got.

If I was starting from scratch I would recommend going with the well-regarded AW cells.

There is more than just raw performance to consider. There is also safety, reliability and longevity. I don't think we have enough data in those areas to really pick a brand based on empirical evidence. What we do know is that AW as an individual is personally interested in giving us safe, reliable and long lasting cells and is always looking to improve his cells. Discount brands are interested in giving us the cheapest possible price and over inflated specs. I think integrity is also worth something in this game.

+1, +1, +1, +1, & +1.
A consideration as noted it that this is a dual-cell application, these cells will inevitably age differently, bringing the potential issue to the forefront. Perhaps they could get an early retirement at some point and live a happy old age running separately. Just a thought.